Skip to content

Ability Quote by Michael Mauboussin

“At the core of an analytical edge is an ability to systematically distinguish between fundamentals and expectations. Fundamentals are a well thought out distribution of outcomes, and expectations are what's priced into an asset. A power metaphor is the [pari-mutuel] racetrack. The fundamentals are…” quote by Michael Mauboussin
Download Open image
“At the core of an analytical edge is an ability to systematically distinguish between fundamentals and expectations. Fundamentals are a well thought out distribution of outcomes, and expectations are what's priced into an asset. A power metaphor is the [pari-mutuel] racetrack. The fundamentals are how fast a given horse will run and the expectations are the odds on the tote board. As any serious handicapper knows, you make money only by finding a mispricing between the performance of the horse and the odds. There are no 'good' or 'bad' horses, just correctly or incorrectly priced ones.”

Michael Mauboussin

About This Quote

Source Book: The Success Equation, 2012

Understanding the gap between true outcomes (fundamentals) and market pricing (expectations) reveals mispricings to profit from.

In simple terms: Spot the difference between reality and price.

Key Takeaway

Focus on fundamentals, not hype.

Themes

finance analysis strategy

Mood

analytical pragmatic

Type

educational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • risk assessment
  • portfolio management

Key Concepts

probability behavioral economics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What fundamentals are you overlooking?
  • How do expectations shape market moves?
A Different Perspective

Markets can stay irrational longer than expected.

2.0 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Michael Mauboussin

Explore all 9 Michael Mauboussin quotes

More Ability quotes

Browse all 9,991 Ability quotes